Ellen Cox White
September 17, 1940 – May 15, 2023
Mary Ellen Cox White passed away May 15th, 2023, at Grady General Hospital. She was the second of four children born to Robert E. (Gene) and Lavelle Howard Cox on September 17, 1940. Ellen graduated from Cairo High School with the class of 1958. She was one of the classmates instrumental in planning reunions and get-togethers for her class.
She married the love of her life, Tommy White, on November 28, 1958. They were the parents of four children: Tom Jr, Tim, Tammy, and Tracey. Tommy was employed by Southeastern Telephone Company in Tallahassee, Florida. As Tommy advanced with the company, they moved to Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and Lincoln, Nebraska then back to Tallahassee where they chose to live in Cairo. Ellen’s career was in banking where she worked in all the places they lived, retiring from Cairo Banking Company as head teller and assistant cashier. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Woman’s Club of Cairo, where she was treasurer for over 23 years.
Ellen’s health began to decline after the trauma from the tornado in 2019 that severely damaged her home and another home she owned across the street that could not be saved. Ellen was a nurturer who took care of her family and everyone she loved, and it was hard for her to transition to accepting help from others. She was so grateful for the outpouring of love she received during the rebuilding.
She is survived by her children: Tom White Jr. (Heather), Tim White (Sheila), Tammy White, and Tracey Edge (Jonathan); grandchildren: Trey White, Jennifer White, Josh White (Jaclyn), Noah White, Max White, Zach Hester (Malone), Adam Hester (Taylor), Sara Whiddon (Ethan), Jack Edge, and Henry Edge; three step-grandchildren: Ashleigh Griffin, Krissy Stone, and DJ Stone; great grandchildren: Kayleigh, Audreigh, Sunree, Keegan, Avery, Saylor, and Mary Sutton; six step/great grandchildren: Dougie, John, Isaac, Angelina, Isabella, and Beau; her brother, Jerry Cox (Ellen), sister-in-law, Judy Cox, and brother-in-law, Ed (Sonny) White. She was predeceased by her husband, parents, sister, Shirley Poff, and brother, Ronnie Cox Sr.
Funeral service will be graveside at the Cairo Cemetery on Friday, May 19th 2023, at 11:00 a.m., led by Reverends Henry Bass and Christy Bandy. Honorary pallbearers will be classmates from the Class of 1958. Visitation will be at Ellen’s home Thursday evening, May 18th, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
The family is grateful for the care she received from Dr. Ashley Register, his office, and Grady General Hospital.
Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church, 318 South Broad Street, Cairo, GA 39828 or the Woman’s Club of Cairo, c/o Beverly Cliett, Treasurer, 1807 Upper Hawthorne Trail, Cairo, GA 39827.
